Snyder continues push for increase in renewable energy

Wednesday

Mar 18, 2015 at 12:01 AM

“Michiganders need to know that when they flick on the switch, they can depend on the power and heat being there for the homes and businesses.” In his Special Message on Energy last week, Gov. Rick Snyder received qualified positive reaction for his call for “a cost-based goal, with a target of 30 to 40 percent of renewable energy plus waste reduction within 10 years.” Snyder, speaking at the Detroit Industry Training Center in Warren, about a plan that would reduce use of coal, said: ”Michiganders already use 38 percent more energy than the national average, and pay an average 6 percent higher rates on heat and electric bills. “There are steps people in our state can take to reduce their energy use, saving money and reducing demand as we shift to cleaner affordable sources.” Executive Director Lisa Wozniak of the League of Conservation Voters said Snyder’s “call for more clean, renewable energy is a welcome contrast to the reckless energy plan offered by Representative Ray Franz (R-Onekema) and Representative Aric Nesbitt (R-Lawton) just last week. “We are encouraged to see the Governor release numeric goals for renewable energy and reducing energy waste, but we need to see action on a plan that turns these goals and builds upon the success we’ve seen in Michigan.” The Michigan Environmential Council said Snyder “is absolutely right to make eleminating energy waste a priority in his energy plan. Energy efficiency is our cheapest, cleanest energy resource and has saved Michigan families $3.75 for every dollar invested. “However, the governor’s emphasis on natural gas raises some concerns. Natural gas production comes with serious environmental concerns and has been declining recently in Michigan. And relying too heavily on natural gas puts both Michigan residents and businesses at risk for future price spikes. “Renewable energy sources, on the other hand, offer long-term stability and huge growth potential in Michigan.” Benishek targeted Three-term 1st District U.S. Rep Dan Benishek of Iron River is one of three Republican congressmen targeted in 2016 by Michigan Democrats, according to just-re-elected state party chairman Lon Johnson. In the Inside Michigan Politics newsletter, Johnson said the others are four-term 7th District Rep. Tim Walberg of Tipton and freshman 8th District Rep. Mike Bishop of Rochester, who replaced retiring Rep. Mike Rogers of Livingston County. In his newsletter interview, Johnson stressed political importance of Up North: “I have always said, and not just because I’m from Kalkaska, the north is where we’re going to have to make gains. If you want the majority, you’re going to have to look north.” Johnson ruled out his own 2016 challenge for the Benishek seat, and said “I would hope Jerry Cannon would run.” Cannon, a retired general and former Kalkaska County sheriff, ran a strong race in 2014. Johnson said there are other prospects to challenge Benishek “but I would hope he would run again.” As to whether Benishek will run again, IMP said: “The district is the least Republican in the state (53.6%) and (Benishek) could leave it open if he honors his campaign pledge to term-limit himself after six years.” Benishek spokesman Philip Christofanelli said Friday: “Any decision regarding his political future will be made in due time.” Meanwhile, Benishek, a former Veteran’s Hospital surgeon, is accelerating his efforts as one of Capitol Hill’s strongest advocates on behalf of veterans. Christofanelli said Benishek is “working on the implementation of his Veteran’s Action Initiative, which is aimed at assisting our nation’s heroes and ensuring they get the benefits that have earned.” He meets regularly with his district Veterans Advisory Council; has held an assistance fair in Cheboygan attended by 200, and makes unannounced tours of vets clinics. On Friday, Benishek said: “For too long our nation’s heroes have been subject to bureaucratic incompetence, excuses, and no real accountability at the VA. We have taken steps to improve the VA, add accountability, and get our veterans off of waitlists and into see their doctor, but our work is far from done. “In addition to my Veterans Action Initiative that is focused on getting veterans the benefits they have earned, I am continuing my work as Chairman of the Veterans Health Subcommittee to ensure that the VA reforms we passed into law are implemented properly and that there continues to be pressure on the VA to improve care and to address the challenges facing our veterans.” Over the weekend—in an activity long popular with northern politicians—Benishek was scheduled to participate in a snowmobile ride in the western UP to honor those who have served, and then join local vets out on the trails near Seney. George Weeks, a member of the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame, for 22 years was political columnist for The Detroit News and previously with UPI as Lansing bureau chief and foreign editor in Washington. His weekly Michigan Politics column is syndicated by Superior Features.